What is the most common cause of peptic ulcers?

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

Explanation

The vast majority of peptic ulcers are caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
This bacterium damages the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach and duodenum, making the lining vulnerable to erosion by gastric acid and pepsin.
Medical sources confirm that H. pylori infection and long-term use of NSAIDs are the two most important etiological factors for peptic ulcer disease.
Treatment for H. pylori-positive ulcers involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the infection and allow the ulcer to heal.

Option A: While severe physiological stress can cause acute 'stress ulcers', psychological stress is no longer considered a primary cause of chronic peptic ulcers.
Option B: Spicy food does not cause peptic ulcers. It can, however, irritate an existing ulcer and worsen symptoms like pain and burning.
Option D: Smoking is a significant risk factor that impairs ulcer healing and increases the risk of complications, but it is not the primary cause.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients with peptic ulcer disease about the importance of testing for H. pylori.
If a patient is positive for H. pylori, it is crucial to emphasize the need to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
Patient teaching should also include lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and avoiding NSAIDs, to promote healing and prevent future ulcers.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the 'most common cause' of peptic ulcers.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal system.
Recall the primary etiological agents for peptic ulcer disease. The two leading causes are H. pylori infection and NSAID use.
Scan the options to find the one that matches this established medical fact.
Eliminate options that are known risk factors or symptom triggers (like smoking and spicy food) but not the primary cause.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 141-143

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 142-144

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2A p. 169-171

Practise the full NORCET 1 - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.